Preschool Franchise Georgia: The “Two Strengths” Ownership Story Behind Ivybrook Academy Woodstock

If you’re exploring a preschool franchise in Georgia (or in nearby markets like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia), the first question usually isn’t “What’s the return?” It’s quieter than that. It sounds like: “Could we build something that matters, and could we run it well together?”

At Ivybrook Academy, we see a pattern in the couples who thrive in this work: one partner tends to bring the operational muscle—business leadership, systems, financial discipline—while the other brings an education lens, or a deep pull toward children, families, and community. The strengths are different on purpose.

In Woodstock, Georgia, owners Erin and David McGill are a clear example of that “two strengths” model in real life.

A couple’s turning point: “We’re building this for families like ours”

Erin and Dave’s story doesn’t start with a franchise search. It starts with family. They share that they’re high school sweethearts, originally from New England, who have lived in Atlanta for over twelve years and now call it home. They’re raising four children and currently live in Roswell.

Their “why” deepened when they adopted their oldest daughter at age two. Soon after, they enrolled her in a local preschool and watched her grow and develop in meaningful ways. Today, they describe her as a successful college graduate working in the tech industry—and they directly connect that trajectory to the early foundation she received.

That detail matters for prospective owners because it’s not a marketing line. It’s a lived conviction: early education changes outcomes.

The “two strengths” model, in plain English

Erin brings the education experience. Dave brings the operational leadership. On their owner page, Erin is described as a seasoned educator with 25 years of experience across multiple roles. Dave is described as having 25+ years in the medical device industry, with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Together, they’re continuing to build an incredible, award-winning campus.

They also share something many second-career and empty-nester couples relate to: they had always dreamed of owning a business together. When they learned about Ivybrook Academy and our philosophy, they felt it fit their combined skill sets and passions. Erin planned to serve as the full-time Principal, while Dave would continue his full-time career and manage business operations for the campus.

If you’re reading this as a couple, here’s the takeaway: you don’t need to have the same background. You need to know how you’ll divide the work with clarity.

What about the Ivybrook model makes couples lean in?

Good franchise candidates aren’t looking for a script. They’re looking for a model that feels differentiated, explainable, and worth dedicating a chapter of life to.

Here are a few aspects of our model that consistently matter to the “business + education” couple persona:

1) Our half-day structure is intentional, not a compromise

At Ivybrook Academy, our half-day program is designed around young children’s developmental needs. In our curriculum overview, we describe why many preschoolers thrive with focused learning periods followed by time to rest, play, and reflect.

This aligns with widely accepted early learning standards that emphasize a daily schedule with rest, active play, and planned learning experiences.

For prospective owners, half-day becomes a meaningful filter:

• It tends to attract families who value a strong learning window and family rhythm.
• It creates a clear story you can tell in your community without hype.

2) Our curriculum blend is a real differentiator

At Ivybrook Academy, our curriculum integrates elements of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and customized assessment to create a personalized learning experience that supports the whole child.

We also ground our philosophy in the idea that children learn in different ways—drawing from the Theory of Multiple Intelligences as part of how we think about individual strengths and learning styles.

For the education-minded partner, this feels meaningful.
For the business-minded partner, it answers the practical question: “Why would a family choose us over other options?”

3) Our model is built to be operated, not improvised

At Ivybrook Academy, our franchising overview describes a support structure that includes curriculum support, business and marketing support, and a defined path from inquiry through training and launch.

That doesn’t replace leadership. It reduces “blank-page stress,” which is one of the biggest hidden drains for second-career owners.

A quick Woodstock lens: what families experience, and why that matters to owners

In a feature about our Woodstock campus, Ivybrook Academy – Woodstock is described as offering a half-day, hybrid curriculum rooted in Reggio Emilia and Montessori, with an emphasis on purposeful play and discovery. From an ownership standpoint, this is more than a classroom philosophy. It becomes a reputation engine. When families can feel a school’s intention, they share it. Referrals become easier. Trust becomes the differentiator.

FAQs for couples exploring a preschool franchise

These are the questions we hear most from couples considering franchise ownership—especially in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Do we both need backgrounds in education?

No. Erin and Dave’s story is a good example of role clarity: one partner leads school culture and learning (Principal), while the other leads business operations.

What’s the Ivybrook “difference” in one sentence?

At Ivybrook Academy, our difference is both philosophical and practical: a half-day model designed around children’s rhythms, paired with a blended curriculum that pulls from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and individualized assessment.

Why does half-day resonate with families?

Because it focuses on doing what matters most during the hours that matter most—then leaves room for rest, play, and family connection, which our curriculum approach explicitly prioritizes.

How do we know if we’re a fit as owners?

Look for alignment in three areas:

1. values (why you want to do this)
2. roles (who owns what)
3. community (where you have roots or can build trust)

A simple “couple check” before you take the next step

If you’re exploring this as a second career or an empty-nester chapter, here are three questions worth answering together:

1. Which one of us naturally owns operations and decision-making?
2. Which one of us naturally owns culture, relationships, and family experience?
3. Do we want to build something local that families talk about with genuine trust?

If those answers feel clear, the next step doesn’t need to be heavy. It can be informational—learning what the process looks like and seeing if the model aligns with your life and your goals. We are ready to chat when you are.